Richborough Development Update

What’s happening?

Richborough and the Caton’s have decided to push the application and go straight to a Government Inspector for appeal, rather than let the council decide on the decision. They requested that the case be heard by a full public inquiry, and the Planning Inspectorate has agreed.

This means the final decision will be taken by an independent Inspector, not by the Borough Council. The inquiry will open at 10:00 on Tuesday 2 December 2025 and is scheduled for six sitting days up to 10 December 2025.

Now the council now have a duty to notify residents and consultees that an appeal has been made by 12 September 2025. The notice must explain how to look at documents and how to comment.

What residents can do now

Write to your Borough Councillors and Parish Councillors asking for them to represent us and object to the development as “Main Parties” in the inquiry (Names and emails below).

If you made comments before, they will be sent to the Inspector automatically.

If you want to add anything new (for example, photos of junction conditions, school-time crossing issues, or access to GP appointments), you must send additional comments no later than Friday 10 October 2025 for them to be considered.

When sending materials/objections, include date, time and location (for photos/videos) and a short description so it can be used effectively by the Inspector.

Save the dates: the inquiry is public. You can observe in person; speaking opportunities are usually announced closer to the opening date. 2–10 December 2025.

Make some noise – make your voice heard!

Where Warton Residents Association (WRA) fits in

WRA want to participate to ensure local evidence is heard and tested in front of the Inspector (drawing on what we have already presented to councillors). We are preparing a case to be part of that process, but will also need to look at risk, because win or lose it is possible that costs could be awarded against us (we are seeking clarification)

Councillors to Write to:

• Brynnen Ririe BrynnenRirie@northwarks.gov.uk (NWBC)
• David Humphreys davidhumphreys@northwarks.gov.uk (NWBC)
• Emma Whapples, Chair of Parish Council (emmawhapples@polesworth-pc.gov.uk)
• Andy Leonard Andyleonard@polesworth-pc.gov.uk (Parish Council)
• Roy Skidmore royskidmore@polesworth-pc.gov.uk (Parish Council)
• Jack Bayley Jackbayley@polesworth-pc.gov.uk (Parish Council)